North Korea "Facing Serious Situation" US "Goal Is Resolution, Not Hostility"

Sullivan, White House National Security Council Advisor, Explains North Korea Policy Direction

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min] On the 2nd (local time), the United States expressed that it aims for resolution, not hostility, in response to North Korea's backlash over President Joe Biden's North Korea policy stance.

Jake Sullivan, White House National Security Advisor, said in an interview with ABC News, "Our North Korea policy is not aimed at hostility," adding, "It aims for resolution and ultimately achieving the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula."

This was in response to North Korea’s Foreign Ministry official in charge of the U.S., Kwon Jong-geun, issuing a statement on the 2nd (Korean time) calling President Biden’s designation of North Korea as a 'serious threat' during his first congressional address on the 28th of last month a "grave mistake" and "slip of the tongue," warning that "they will face a serious situation."

On the same day, North Korea strongly protested in the form of a Foreign Ministry spokesperson’s statement against a recent U.S. State Department spokesperson’s criticism of North Korea’s human rights situation, calling it "a concentrated expression of hostile policy toward the DPRK" and "a serious political provocation that even targets the supreme dignity."

Advisor Sullivan mentioned that the new North Korea policy is not an 'all for all, or nothing for nothing' approach but a calibrated and pragmatic one, reaffirming the intention to take a different approach from past administrations.

The day after President Biden’s speech, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki disclosed that the U.S. has completed a review of its North Korea policy for denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, revealing that a foundation has been laid to start phased denuclearization talks rather than comprehensive negotiations with North Korea.

Advisor Sullivan also emphasized the willingness to engage in diplomacy with North Korea, saying, "We are ready to engage in diplomacy," but did not present any new proposals or incentives that might attract North Korea’s interest.

This reflects the U.S. administration’s view that the order of business is to set up a negotiation table unconditionally for both sides to meet first, rather than creating a dialogue by offering carrots such as sanctions relief to North Korea upfront.

However, Advisor Sullivan reiterated that the U.S. is open to corresponding measures depending on North Korea’s attitude. He emphasized, "We are prepared to work on pragmatic measures that can help make progress on the path toward that goal (denuclearization)."